The Masters And First Shots: Good For Business

The Shooting Industry Masters, FMG Publications’ annual shooting competition, provides an opportunity for those in the industry to get to the range and enjoy shooting. For most of us in the industry, shooting isn’t something we do very often. That’s why you see so many smiling faces at the Masters — we provide plenty of trigger time.

In addition to having more fun at the Masters than may be legal, we raise money for NSSF’s First Shots program. Yes, we also support USA Shooting and HAVA, two organizations we sponsor and are devoted to helping. However, our primary fundraising at the Masters is for First Shots. At SHOT Show 2012, we presented a check for $94,000 to NSSF for First Shots, money raised at our three most-recent Shooting Industry Masters (see page 10).

Why do we support First Shots? To the point: It works. It directly supports all of our businesses at the all-important point-of-purchase — at gun stores and gun ranges. By introducing new shooters to our sport in a safe, correct manner, First Shots helps develop customers. Even for those who don’t become avid shooters or customers, First Shots still makes a mark by busting myths about firearms and gun owners. That’s invaluable in countering the anti-gun message that often permeates the media.

How well does First Shots work? Just like you, we want to see the results of programs we support and promote. That’s another reason we like First Shots — NSSF shows us the numbers. In its latest report on First Shots, NSSF reveals the results of initial and follow-up surveys of First Shots handgun, rifle and shotgun seminar participants. The 12-page report is a must-read, not only for those interested in hosting First Shots, but also for everyone in the industry who is interested in their bottom line.

Here’s one item from the report that will grab your attention: In the Handgun Participant Purchases section, NSSF asked the question: “About how much in total have you spent on shooting-related equipment and supplies since the First Shots program?” Forty-nine percent of respondents said they had made such purchases, spending an average of $635.37.

“This represents nearly $5 million in retails sales,” NSSF reports.

To download a PDF of the report, visit www.nssf.org/firstshots/PDF. For more information on First Shots, including how to host a seminar, visit www.firstshots.org. Need more information or assistance? Contact First Shots’ very enthusiastic manager, Tisma Juett, at (203) 426-1320 or via email: tjuett@nullnssf.org.

Masters Firing Line

To help us raise even more money for First Shots, and to enjoy that important trigger time, join us on the firing line in July. The 2012 Shooting Industry Masters will be held July 20-21 at the Rockcastle Shooting Center, Park Mammoth Resort in Park City, Ky.

We’ll feature our handgun, rifle and shotgun events, along with 15 side matches. Did I mention plenty of trigger time?